Sree Kottanacheri Mahakshetram

Sree Kottanacheri Mahakshetram is a sacred kaavu in , Kerala, where Theyyam is performed from January 31 – February 4. Find theyyam forms, history, visitor info, and directions.

Performance dates: January 31 – February 4

Frequency: 1 year

Theyyams performed: 10 ritual forms

About This Temple

An ancient mahakshetram in Vellur, known for its multi-day festival in Makaram during which a large ensemble of Theyyams are performed.

History

According to a well-known local tradition, Vettakkorumakan and his close companion Oorpazhassi Daivam were travelling northward when they reached the village of Vellur. There they met a young Thiyya man named Kottan, who was climbing a coconut tree.

The travellers asked Kottan for tender coconuts to quench their thirst. With devotion and generosity, Kottan offered fresh tender coconuts to both of them.

Vettakkorumakan accepted the offering without hesitation and drank the coconut water. Oorpazhassi Daivam, however, declined the offering after learning that Kottan belonged to the Thiyya community. According to the social customs of that period, he considered it improper to accept food or drink from someone of a lower caste. Displeased that his companion had done so, Oorpazhassi reproached Vettakkorumakan.

Because Vettakkorumakan accepted Kottan's hospitality, Oorpazhassi parted ways with his companion and travelled eastward to Alakkad Kalari, where he came to be worshipped as Sri Oorpazhassi Daivam, revered as Aishwarya Prabhu (Lord of Prosperity) and Vaidyanathan (the Divine Healer).

Vettakkorumakan, however, remained with and blessed Kottan for his sincere devotion. The place where the deity chose to stay with Kottan eventually became known as Kottanacheri, literally meaning "the place where the deity stayed with Kottan."

This narrative survives as a local oral tradition explaining both the separation of Oorpazhassi Daivam and Vettakkorumakan and the origin of the name Kottanacheri. It also reflects the social realities of the period in which the tradition developed, preserving them as part of the Theyyam heritage rather than prescribing present-day social values.